Chessers to vie for SEAG slots

The country’s top chessers will start vying for slots in the national team during a grand finals event that will be held this July.National Chess Federation of the Philippines project director Jayson Gonzales said this following a meeting with Philippine delegation chef de mission and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez last Tuesday.The final selection process for members of the national men’s and women’s team will held from July 11 to 15 at the Alphaland Suites in Makati City.“It will be a selection for members of blitz and standard chess event. This tournament will determine who will advance to the core group of players,” said Gonzales.In the absence of individual chess events in the SEA Games, team event slots will be disputed instead when the Philippines hosts the event at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The SEA Games chess competition will offer seven team categories.Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra is among the top candidates in the men’s division.On the other hand, top female woodpusher Shaina Mae Mendoza is also among those expected to make it.